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Newsmakers
Updated: July 15, 2012 6:04AM
Newsmakers
‘Letters About
Literature’ Contest
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White recently announced that Ben Gachpar of Northbrook joined two other students from Frankfort and Orland Park as the Illinois winners of the 2012 “Letters About Literature” contest.
“Letters About Literature” is a national reading and writing promotion for students sponsored by the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. The competition is offered in partnership with Target Corporation. Students in grades 4-12 read a book and write a personal letter to an author, explaining how the book changed their views of the world or themselves. Students may select authors, living or deceased, from any genre.
Gachpar, a Maple School student, was the The Level I, Grades 4-6 winner. He wrote to author Jane Yolen about her book The Devil’s Arithmetic. Gachpar’s letter was submitted by teacher Cynthia Sheridan.
Each of the winners receives a $50 Target gift card, a $100 check from the Illinois Center for the Book, a plaque signed by Secretary White and tours of the Illinois State Capitol and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield. Teachers receive a $100 check from The Illinois Center for the Book to purchase books for their school library, a certificate signed by Secretary White and tours of the State Capitol and Lincoln Presidential Museum.
Distinguished Award
Northbrook resident Orrin J. Edidin, JD ‘86, president of WMS Industries Inc. (based in Waukegan), received the Distinguished Alumni Award bestowed by the College of Law, University of Illinois in recognition of his personal achievements and leadership in the community. Edidin was one of six recipients who received the award at College’s Annual Alumni Luncheon held April 19, and is only one of two such alumni from the Class of 1986 to be recognized with the service award.
Edidin, who has been with WMS since 1997, became president of WMS Industries Inc. and WMS Gaming Inc. in July 2008, having served previously as executive vice president and chief operating officer from 2001. From 1997 to 2001, he was vice president, secretary and general counsel.
Prior to joining WMS, Edidin was associate general counsel for Fruit of the Loom, Inc. and Farley Industries. From 1986 through 1992, he was senior attorney with the Chicago law firm of Katten Muchin Zavis Rosenman. He also is a trustee of the International Association of gaming advisors, is vice president of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers and a member of the Board of Directors of the Cancer Wellness Center.
Edidin earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois in 1983, and received a juris doctorate degree, cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1986.
